Market impact of international sporting and cultural events

We study market reaction to the announcements of the selected country hosting the Summer and Winter Olympic Games, the World Football Cup, the European Football Cup and World and Specialized Exhibitions. We generalize previous results analyzing a large number and different types of mega-events, evaluate the effects for winning and losing countries, investigate the determinants of the observed market reaction and control for the ex ante probability of a country being a successful bidder. Average abnormal returns measured at the announcement date and around the event are not significantly different from zero. Further, we find no evidence supporting that industries, that a priori were more likely to extract direct benefits from the event, observe positive significant effects. Yet, when we control for anticipation, the stock price reactions around the announcements are significant.

C��o de Fila de S. Miguel : patrim��nio cultural imaterial

Disserta����o de Mestrado, Patrim��nio, Museologia e Desenvolvimento, 2 de Outubro de 2015, Universidade dos A��ores.

Cultural organizations and communication in portuguese decentralization policy

This paper intends to show the Portuguese municipalities��� commitment, since the first decade of this century, in cultural facilities of municipal management and how it provided 12 of the 18 district capitals of mainland Portugal with cultural equipment, but after all we want to know if this effort resulted in a regular, diverse, and innovative schedule. Investing in urban regeneration, local governments have tried to convert cities��� demographic changes (strengthening of the most educated and professionally qualified groups) in effective cultural demands that consolidate the three axes of development competitiveness-innovation-creativity. What the empirical study to the programming and communication proposals of those equipment shows is that it is not enough to provide cities with facilities; to escape to a utilitarian conception of culture, there is a whole work to be done so that such equipment be experienced and felt as new public sphere. Equipment in which proposals go through a fluid bind, constructed through space and discourse with local community, devoted a diversified and innovative bet full filling development axis. This paper presents in a systematic way what contributes to this binding on the analyzed equipment.

Newspaper coverage impact on cultural events: Porto 2001 and Guimar��es 2012: European Cultural Capitals

Artigo baseado na comunica����o proferida no 1st International Symposium on Media Studies, realizado na Akdeniz Universitesi Yay��nlar��, Antalya, Turquia, 21-23 de novembro de 2013

Jornalismo cultural: as fontes e os g��neros jornal��sticos: o caso do P��blico

Relat��rio de est��gio apresentado �� Escola Superior de Comunica����o Social como parte dos requisitos para obten����o de grau de mestre em Jornalismo.

Cross-cultural validity of the demand-control questionnaire: Swedish and Brazilian workers

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cross-cultural validity of the Demand-Control Questionnaire, comparing the original Swedish questionnaire with the Brazilian version. METHODS We compared data from 362 Swedish and 399 Brazilian health workers. Confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses were performed to test structural validity, using the robust weighted least squares mean and variance-adjusted (WLSMV) estimator. Construct validity, using hypotheses testing, was evaluated through the inspection of the mean score distribution of the scale dimensions according to sociodemographic and social support at work variables. RESULTS The confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses supported the instrument in three dimensions (for Swedish and Brazilians): psychological demands, skill discretion and decision authority. The best-fit model was achieved by including an error correlation between work fast and work intensely (psychological demands) and removing the item repetitive work (skill discretion). Hypotheses testing showed that workers with university degree had higher scores on skill discretion and decision authority and those with high levels of Social Support at Work had lower scores on psychological demands and higher scores on decision authority. CONCLUSIONS The results supported the equivalent dimensional structures across the two culturally different work contexts. Skill discretion and decision authority formed two distinct dimensions and the item repetitive work should be removed.

Spectroscopy studies on conservation issues in modern and contemporary paintings

Dissertation presented to the Faculty of Sciences and Technology of New University of Lisbon in fulfilment of the requirements for the Master���s degree in Conservation and Restoration Specialization in easel painting

Audiologists��� preferences for patient-centredness: a cross-sectional questionnaire study of cross-cultural differences and similarities among professionals in Portugal, India and Iran

Objective Patient-centredness has become an important aspect of health service delivery; however, there are a limited number of studies that focus on this concept in the domain of hearing healthcare. The objective of this study was to examine and compare audiologists��� preferences for patient-centredness in Portugal, India and Iran. Design The study used a cross-sectional survey design with audiologists recruited from three different countries. Participants A total of 191 fully-completed responses were included in the analysis (55 from Portugal, 78 from India and 58 from Iran). Main outcome measure The Patient���Practitioner Orientation Scale (PPOS). Results PPOS mean scores suggest that audiologists have a preference for patient-centredness (ie, mean of 3.6 in a 5-point scale). However, marked differences were observed between specific PPOS items suggesting these preferences vary across clinical situations. A significant level of difference (p<0.001) was found between audiologists��� preferences for patient-centredness in three countries. Audiologists in Portugal had a greater preference for patient-centredness when compared to audiologists in India and Iran, although no significant differences were found in terms of age and duration of experience among these sample populations. Conclusions There are differences and similarities in audiologists��� preferences for patient-centredness among countries. These findings may have implications for the training of professionals and also for clinical practice in terms of optimising hearing healthcare across countries.

Cultural Intelligence Scale: Validation in a Multicultural Setting of Erasmus Mundus Students and Alumni

Purpose: This work aims at further developing and testing the psychometric properties of the Cultural Intelligence Scale (Ang & Van Dyne, 2006) in an Erasmus Mundus Students and Alumni Population, including reliability. Design Methodology: The study included 626 participants from 109 different countries that emcompasses 6 continents. Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis procedures were carried out in order to test the scale in a multicultural scale of Erasmus Mundus Students. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach Alpha. Results: The scale presents excellent psychometric properties with alpha values that range from .84 to .90. Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analyses demonstrated that the original model of the scale presents an exceptionally good fit. Limitations: The present study was conducted using a convenience sample and online questionnaires that limit its conclusions when we consider the globality of the Erasmus Mundus Students. Research/Practical Implications: This study presents evidence that Ang and Van Dyne���s scale is an adequate measure instrument to assess intercultural intelligence in a multicultural setting of students and alumni. Originality/Value: Multicultural samples and studies are becoming more and more present and relevant; the study of intercultural competences and habilities is becoming increasingly important, and in this task, solid psychometric instruments are of paramount importance. This study presents evidence that Ang and Van Dyne���s (2006) scale is a fairly recent and parsimonious instrument with excellent psychometric properties properties.

Tradu����o com adapta����o cultural para portug��s e determina����o da reprodutibilidade do questionnaire on respiratory symptoms in preschool children��

RESUMO: Introdu����o: A asma br��nquica �� uma entidade frequente em idade pedi��trica, apresentando uma grande heterogeneidade cl��nica e significativa morbilidade quando n��o controlada. A identifica����o de crian��as sintom��ticas pode atrasar ou at�� mesmo diminuir a ocorr��ncia de algumas altera����es estruturais. Reconhece-se a necessidade de question��rios sobre sintomas respirat��rios em l��ngua portuguesa, devidamente validados, que tenham como popula����o-alvo os grupos et��rios inferiores a 3 anos. Deste modo, ser�� poss��vel n��o s�� um conhecimento mais rigoroso da asma e da sibil��ncia infantil mas tamb��m a uniformiza����o de metodologias para o desenvolvimento de estrat��gias a n��vel nacional. Objetivos: Tradu����o com adapta����o cultural para portugu��s e determina����o da reprodutibilidade do Questionnaire on respiratory symptoms in preschool children de Strippoli e colaboradores. Material e m��todos: A escolha do question��rio obedeceu a v��rios crit��rios, entre os quais o grupo et��rio, o tipo e n��mero de perguntas. O Questionnaire on respiratory symptoms in preschool children de Strippoli e colaboradores �� um question��rio de autopreenchimento, dirigido a crian��as entre os 12 e os 24 meses de idade e destinado a estudos epidemiol��gicos ao n��vel da comunidade. Aborda aspetos referentes a sintomas respirat��rios (sibil��ncia, tosse cr��nica, sintomas das vias a��reas superiores), cuidados m��dicos, terap��utica, caracter��sticas ambientais, hist��ria familiar e situa����o social. Procedemos �� sua tradu����o, com especial aten����o para a adapta����o do ponto de vista cultural e lingu��stico, utilizando o m��todo da tradu����o / retrovers��o, amplamente utilizado e descrito na literatura internacional. Seguidamente determin��mos a reprodutibilidade da vers��o final em l��ngua portuguesa ��� Question��rio de sintomas respirat��rios em idade pr��-escolar ��� utilizando o teste-reteste. Para tal, inclu��ram-se crian��as entre os 12 e os 36 meses de idade recrutadas num Centro de Sa��de e em creches de Lisboa. A distribui����o dos question��rios decorreu em duas fases: na primeira fase foram entregues pessoalmente nos locais de recrutamento e na segunda fase foram enviados por correio para os domic��lios das crian��as, respeitando-se um intervalo m��nimo de 2 semanas entre ambos. Resultados: Na primeira fase foram distribu��dos 180 question��rios, com uma taxa de reposta de 41% (n=74). Na segunda fase enviaram-se para os respetivos domic��lios 70 question��rios,obtendo-se uma taxa de resposta de 66% (n=46). Para a an��lise de reprodutibilidade foram inclu��dos apenas os question��rios preenchidos em ambos os momentos pelo mesmo indiv��duo (m��e, pai ou representante legal) (n=41). A idade m��dia das crian��as foi, na primeira fase, de 22,5 meses e, na segunda fase, de 23,7 meses, com um predom��nio do sexo feminino (F:M =1:0,6). A mediana do tempo decorrido entre os dois momentos de preenchimento dos question��rios foi de 26 dias. Obtivemos valores de concord��ncia globalmente bons a muito bons, �� semelhan��a do sucedido no trabalho original. Conclus��es: Procedemos �� tradu����o e avalia����o da reprodutibilidade do Questionnaire on respiratory symptoms in preschool children. Pretende-se que venha a ser uma ferramenta ��til para estudos epidemiol��gicos e programas de rastreio na comunidade, contribuindo deste modo para uma otimiza����o da abordagem da asma / sibil��ncia infantil a n��vel nacional. -------------ABSTRACT: Background: Asthma is a very common feature in childhood, with important clinical heterogeneity and morbidity if not properly controlled. Identifying symptomatic children may delay or even reduce several structural changes. The development of questionnaires on respiratory symptoms in Portuguese for children under 3 years old will allow not only a more accurate knowledge of infantile asthma and recurrent wheezing but also the standardization of methodologies to develop nationwide strategies. Objectives: The aim of this study was to translate and adapt to the Portuguese culture and to determine the repeatability of the Questionnaire on respiratory symptoms in preschool children by Strippoli et al. Material and methods: The choice of the questionnaire took in consideration several criteria, among which the target age, the type and the number of questions. The Questionnaire on respiratory symptoms in preschool children by Strippoli et al is a parent-completed questionnaire for assessment of respiratory symptoms in 1 to 2-year-old children, developed for cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. It contains sections on respiratory symptoms (wheezing, chronic cough and upper airways symptoms), healthcare utilization, treatment, environmental exposure, family history and social situation. For the process of translation we used the method of translation and back-translation, with particular concern to cultural and linguistic adaptation. To assess the repeatability of the final Portuguese version - Question��rio de sintomas respirat��rios em idade pr��-escolar - we used the test���retest analyses. The questionnaires were distributed to parents of children between 12 and 36 months old attending nurseries and a Primary Care Center of Lisbon. The distribution took place in two phases: the first questionnaires were delivered in person (phase one) and an identical questionnaire was posted to the families that participated in the first phase, 2 weeks after the first one was returned (phase two). Results: The response rates were 41% (180/74) in the first phase and 66% (70/46) in the second phase. For test���retest analyses, we included the 41 children with the same respondent (mother, father or legal representative) in both occasions. The median age of the children was 22,5 months at the first phase and 23,7 months at the second phase, with a predominance of girls (F:M = 1:0,6). The median time between the fillings of both questionnaires was 26 days. Globally, agreement values were good to excellent, similarly to the original work. Conclusion: In the present study we translated the Questionnaire on respiratory symptoms in preschool children and assessed its repeatability. Overall, we expect it to be a valuable tool for epidemiological studies and community-based screening programs, thus contributing to improve the management of infantile asthma / recurrent wheezing nationwide.

Contribui����o para a adapta����o cultural do Neck Disability Index e carateriza����o da pr��tica de fisioterapia em pacientes com dor cr��nica cervical

RESUMO: Objetivo: Este trabalho teve como objetivo contribuir para o processo de adapta����o cultural do Neck Disability Index (NDI), atrav��s da an��lise da sua unidimensionalidade e do estudo da sua fiabilidade (consist��ncia interna e fiabilidade teste-reteste), validade de constructo e poder de resposta. De igual forma pretendeu-se caraterizar a interven����o realizada pela fisioterapia e os resultados obtidos em pacientes com Dor Cervical Cr��nica (DCC). Introdu����o: A dor cervical �� um problema cada vez mais comum nos pa��ses industrializados, constituindo uma das tr��s condi����es mais frequentemente reportadas por queixas de origem m��sculo-esquel��tica. A sua incid��ncia �� um fen��meno em crescimento, com custos implicados para a sociedade. Desta forma reconhece-se a import��ncia de um instrumento que monitorize a evolu����o da incapacidade funcional associada �� DCC. O NDI �� atualmente o instrumento de avalia����o mais recomendado para avaliar a incapacidade funcional associada �� dor cervical. Foi traduzido e adaptado �� l��ngua portuguesa, mas �� data n��o foi realizada nenhuma avalia����o das suas propriedades psicom��tricas. Por outro lado, apesar de a literatura referir que os servi��os de Fisioterapia s��o extremamente procurados por indiv��duos com DCC, em Portugal, a informa����o sobre a sua pr��tica nesta condi����o cl��nica �� escassa ou mesmo inexistente. Assim, e sendo a incapacidade nas atividades funcionais uma das vari��veis de maior impacto da DCC e ao mesmo tempo um dos resultados principais da interven����o da Fisioterapia, importa por um lado possuir instrumentos capazes de avaliar o n��vel de incapacidade funcional e a sua mudan��a, e por outro, aferir qual a interven����o realizada pela Fisioterapia e quais os resultados obtidos. Metodologia: Realizou-se um estudo de coorte prospetivo com uma amostra de conveni��ncia, do tipo n��o probabil��stico, constitu��da por 88 pacientes com DCC de origem m��sculo-esquel��tica e causa n��o traum��tica referenciados para 6 servi��os de fisioterapia / medicina f��sica e de reabilita����o de cl��nicas e centros de reabilita����o, sendo eleg��veis todos os pacientes que cumprissem os crit��rios de inclus��o e exclus��o estabelecidos. Os pacientes foram avaliados em tr��s momentos pr��-definidos: antes do in��cio das sess��es de fisioterapia ou na 1�� semana de tratamento; 4 a 7 dias ap��s a 1�� avalia����o; e 7 semanas ap��s o in��cio da fisioterapia. Para verifica����o da unidimensionalidade do NDI, procedeu-se a uma An��lise Fatorial Explorat��ria. As propriedades psicom��tricas do NDI avaliadas foram a Fiabilidade (consist��ncia interna e fiabilidade teste-reteste), a Validade de Constructo e o Poder de Resposta. Posteriormente procedeu-se �� carateriza����o da pr��tica da fisioterapia quanto ��s modalidades utilizadas, n��mero de sess��es de tratamento e dura����o do epis��dio de cuidados. Adicionalmente descreveu-se os resultados obtidos ap��s a interven����o da fisioterapia ao n��vel da dor e incapacidade. Resultados: os resultados obtidos foram positivos e significativos, com a confirma����o da unidimensionalidade do NDI, sendo que em todos os crit��rios seguidos o fator m��nimo retido foi de um. Na avalia����o da consist��ncia interna o valor obtido foi acima do m��nimo aceit��vel (�� Cronbach = 0,77), enquanto o valor de fiabilidade teste-reteste foi elevado (CCI =0,95). De igual forma, os resultados foram positivos para a validade de constructo, obtendo-se uma associa����o positiva do NDI com a Escala Num��rica da dor (END). O valores de poder de resposta reportaram uma ��rea Abaixo da Curva de 0,63 (IC 95%=0,51-0,75), com valor de Diferen��a M��nima Clinicamente importante de 5,5 pontos (sensibilidade = 69,6%; especificidade = 43,6%). Relativamente �� interven����o de fisioterapia em casos de DCC verificou-se que as caracter��sticas da pr��tica da fisioterapia reportadas neste relat��rio s��o de dif��cil compara����o ou an��lise dada a escassez ou inexist��ncia de trabalhos publicados sobre este assunto em pacientes com DCC. No entanto, neste estudo, encontraram-se redu����es significativas na intensidade da dor e incapacidade funcional ap��s a interven����o de fisioterapia (z= -7,16; p<0,001 e t= 10,412, p<0,05, respetivamente). Conclus��o: Os resultados do presente estudo revelam que o NDI-VP possui uma boa Fiabilidade, Validade de Constructo e Poder de Resposta. Revela ainda que a interven����o da fisioterapia em casos de DCC, apesar da escassez de trabalhos publicados, proporciona uma redu����o significativa dos n��veis de dor e incapacidade em pacientes com DCC.--------------- ABSTRACT:Objective: the aim of this study was to contribute for the process of cultural adaption of the Neck Disability Index (NDI), through the analysis of his unidimensionality and the study of his reliability (internal consistency and test-retest reliability), construct validity and responsiveness. At the same time it pretends to characterize the intervention performed by physical therapy and the results in patients with Chronic Neck Pain (CNP). Introduction: neck pain is a common problem in the industrialized countries, since is one of the three most reported conditions by complaints with musculoskeletal origin. His incidence is a growth phenomena that implicate great costs to society. Therefore the importance of an instrument that monitories the evolution of the functional disability associated to CNP is recognized. Nowadays, NDI is the instrument most recommended to evaluate functional disability associated to neck pain. It has been translated and adapted to portuguese but, till now, no evaluation of his psychometric proprieties has been completed. In the other hand, despite literature refers that physical therapy services are extremely searched by patients with neck pain, in Portugal, the information about practice in this clinical condition is very few or inexistent. Therefore, and since disability in the functional activities is one of the variables with most impact of CNP and, at the same time, one of the main results of physical therapy interventions, it���s important to have instruments capable of evaluate the level of functional disability and his change, and also calculate which intervention of physical therapy is most appropriate and his results. Methodology: it was used a prospective cohort study with a convenience sample, non-probabilistic, consisting of 88 patients with CNP of musculoskeletal origin and non-traumatic cause, referred to 6 physical therapy services of clinics and rehabilitation centers, and fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria established. Patients were evaluated in three pre-defined moments: before the beginning of physical therapy or during the first week of treatment; 4 to 7 days after the first evaluation; and 7 weeks after beginning of physical therapy. To verify NDI unidimensionality, we run an Exploratory Factorial Analysis. NDI psychometric proprieties evaluated were reliability (internal consistency and test-retest reliability), construct validity and responsiveness. Subsequently, it was proceeded the characterization the practice of physical therapy regarding to the modalities used, the number of treatment sessions and duration of the episode of care. Additionally it was described the results obtained after the intervention of the physical therapy, the level of pain and the disability. Results: results were positive and significant, with the confirmation of the NDI unidimensionality, since in every followed criteria the minimal retained factor was one. In the evaluation of internal consistency the value was above the minimal accepted (�� Cronbach = 0,77), and the test-retest reliability value was high (CCI =0,95). Results were positive to construct validity, with an positive association of the NDI with Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Responsiveness values reported an Area Under Curve (AUC) of 0,63 (IC 95%=0,51-0,75) with a Minimal Important Detectable Change (MIDC) of 5,5 points (sensitivity = 69,9%; specificity = 43,6%). Regarding physical therapy interventions in CNP, it was verified that the physical therapy characteristics reported are difficult to compare or analyze since there are very few published studies about this topic. However, in this study, significant reductions were founded in pain intensity and functional disability after intervention(z= -7,16; p<0,001 and t= 10,412, p<0,05, respectively).Conclusion: present study results reveals that NDI has an good reliability, construct validity and responsiveness. It also reveals that physical therapy intervention in CNP, beside few studies published, result in a significant reduction of pain and disability levels in patients with CNP.

A cross-cultural study on the effect of decimal separator on price perception

A Work Project, presented as part of the requirements for the Award of a Masters Degree in Management from the NOVA ��� School of Business and Economics

Adapta����o cultural e contributo para a valida����o da escala petterns of activity measura - pain (POAM-P)

RESUMO: A dor lombar cr��nica (DLC) �� uma das condi����es cl��nicas mais comuns e com elevados custos socioecon��micos no mundo ocidental. Estudos recentes indicam que os utentes com DLC apresentam diferentes padr��es de atividade que influenciam os n��veis de incapacidade funcional. Contudo, a evid��ncia acerca destas associa����es ��, ainda, limitada e inconclusiva. Em Portugal, n��o existe, do nosso conhecimento, nenhuma escala validada para a popula����o portuguesa que me��a estes padr��es de atividade em utentes com DLC. Objetivos: Adaptar culturalmente a escala Patterns of Activity Measure ��� Pain (POAM-P) para a popula����o portuguesa com dor lombar cr��nica inespec��fica (DLCI) e contribuir para a sua valida����o. Metodologia: A vers��o original (inglesa) do POAM-P foi traduzida e adaptada para a l��ngua portuguesa (POAM-P-VP) atrav��s de uma equipa multidisciplinar que incluiu tradutores, retrotradutores (cegos e independentes), peritos de diferentes ��reas e utentes com DLCI, de acordo com as recomenda����es de linhas orientadoras atuais para este processo. A an��lise factorial e das propriedades psicom��tricas da POAM-P-VP contou com uma amostra de 132 utentes. A consist��ncia interna foi analisada atrav��s do coeficiente alpha de Cronbach (��) e para a an��lise da fiabilidade teste-reteste recorreu-se ao coeficiente de correla����o intraclasse (ICC:2,1). A an��lise da validade de construto convergente e discriminativa das componentes da POAM-P-VP foi conseguida atrav��s da aplica����o da vers��o portuguesa da escala Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-13-VP), e recorrendo ao c��lculo do coeficiente de Spearman. Todos os c��lculos estat��sticos foram realizados no software IBM SPSS Statistics (vers��o 20). Resultados: A an��lise factorial permitiu identificar tr��s componentes da POAM-P-VP (evitamento, persist��ncia excessiva e persist��ncia consistente com a dor), sendo estruturalmente diferentes das subescalas do POAM-P original. Estas componentes apresentaram uma consist��ncia interna boa a elevada. As componentes 1 e 2 apresentaram uma fiabilidade teste-reteste moderada a excelente, e a componente 3 uma fiabilidade teste-reteste pobre, limitando o seu poder de uso na pr��tica cl��nica e em investiga����o. Relativamente �� validade de construto, nenhuma das hip��teses estabelecidas no estudo apriori foram verificadas, n��o podendo aferir acerca da rela����o dos padr��es de atividade com a cinesiofobia, medida pelo TSK-13-VP. Por��m, a componente de evitamento da POAM-P-VP parece medir conte��dos partilhados com a TSK-13-VP (rs = 0.15, p<0.048). Conclus��o: A adapta����o e contributo para a valida����o da vers��o portuguesa da escala POAM-P constituiu um ponto de partida para a exist��ncia de um instrumento de medi����o de padr��es de atividade de utentes portugueses com DLC, requerendo mais estudos para a sua valida����o. Apesar de algumas limita����es, considera-se que este estudo �� de grande import��ncia para os fisioterapeutas e investigadores que buscam um maior conhecimento e efetividade das abordagens de interven����o em utentes com dor lombar cr��nica.-------------- ABSTRACT: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is one of the most common clinical conditions as well as one with high economical costs within western countries. Recent studies have shown that patients with LBP present different patterns of activity which influence their levels of functional capacity. However, evidence on these associations is still limited and inconclusive. To our knowledge, there is in Portugal no valid scale for measuring these patterns of activity in CLBP patients. Purpose: Culturally adapt the Patterns of Activity Measure ��� Pain (POAM-P) scale to the Portuguese population with non-specific chronic low back pain (NSLBP) and contribute to its validation. Method: The original English version of POAM-P was blindly and independently translated, back translated and adapted to the Portuguese language (POAM-P-VP) by a multidisciplinary team of translators, experts from different fields, and patients with NSLBP, according to established guidelines for this process. Factorial and psychometric properties��� analysis of POAM-P-VP comprised a sample of 132 patients. The internal consistency was analyzed based on Cronbach's alpha-coefficient (��) and for test-retest reliability analysis the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) was used. The analysis of convergent and discriminant construct validity of POAM-P-VP components was achieved through the use of the Portuguese version of the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-13-VP), using the Spearman coefficient calculation. All statistical calculations were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics software (v.20). Results: The factor analysis allowed for the identification of three components of POAM-P-VP (avoidance, excessive persistence and pain-contingent persistence), structurally different from the original POAM-P subscales. These components demonstrated a good to high level of internal consistency. Components 1 and 2 demonstrated moderate to excellent test-retest reliability, whereas component 3 presented low test-retest reliability thus limiting its clinical and investigative use. With regard to construct validity, none of the previously established hypothesis was verified, therefore not making it possible to assess the relation between activity patterns and kinesiophobia, measured by TSK-13-VP. However, the avoidance component of POAM-P-VP seems to share measurable contents with TSK-13-VP (rs = 0.15, p<0.048). Conclusion: The adaptation and contribution to the validation of the Portuguese version of POAM-P scale, sets a starting point to the existence of a useful instrument for measuring activity patterns in Portuguese CLBP patients, requiring further studies towards its validation. Despite some limitations, this study is considered of high importance to physiotherapists as well as investigators in search of deeper knowledge and effective practical approaches on chronic low back pain patients.

How Does Cultural Context Stimulate Creativity: A study of African Musicians in Lisbon, Portugal

The 21st century bodes an interesting time for companies and individuals alike with an increased focus on using creativity as a way to stimulate innovation to create competitive advantage. Several studies have looked at how creativity is stimulated within a corporate environment or how creativity is stimulated by people in a specific place. This study aimed to look at how the contextual environment fosters creativity in individuals and groups. With the increase in popularity of African and world music In Europe over the last ten years it was decided that the context of Lisbon, Portugal be used with a specific focus on African musicians living there and working in the Lisbon music scene. It became apparent themes of Creative crossovers, Geographical Location, a dynamic environment, Entrepreneurial encouragement and the presence of open-minded and flexible individual were involved in Lisbon���s ability to foster and empower creative individuals.

Adapta����o cultural e contributo para a valida����o da pain attitudes and believes scale for physiotherapists (PABS-PT) para a popula����o de fisioterapeutas portugueses

RESUMO: Introdu����o: V��rios estudos t��m encontrado evid��ncia para a rela����o entre as cren��as e atitudes dos profissionais de sa��de, a sua abordagem de tratamento, referida como orientada segundo o modelo biom��dico ou modelo biopsicossocial (Bishop, 2008; Mutsaers, 2012), e os resultados obtidos. �� sugerido que, no tratamento da dor lombar cr��nica, os profissionais que orientam o seu racioc��nio e pr��tica segundo o modelo biom��dico, tendem a obter piores resultados quando comparados com os obtidos pelos profissionais que orientam o seu racioc��nio e pr��tica segundo uma abordagem biopsicossocial. Esta ��rea de estudo tem salientado a import��ncia de desenhar instrumentos capazes de identificar a orienta����o preferencial dos profissionais de sa��de no tratamento da dor cr��nica de natureza m��sculo-esquel��tica, entre os quais se encontra a ���Pain Attitudes and Beliefs Scale for Physiotherapists��� (PABS-PT). Objetivo: Adaptar culturalmente a PABS-PT para a popula����o de fisioterapeutas portugueses que interv��m em utentes com dor (lombar) cr��nica, e contribuir para a sua valida����o Metodologia: A vers��o original (l��ngua inglesa) do PABS-PT foi adaptada para a l��ngua e cultura portuguesas, atrav��s das etapas definidas nas normas orientadoras estabelecidas para este processo (Beaton et al., 2002; MAPI Institute, 2001). A avalia����o das propriedades psicom��tricas da vers��o portuguesa foi realizada com recurso a uma amostra de 202 fisioterapeutas e estudantes finalistas do curso de licenciatura em Fisioterapia. Inicialmente foi realizada a an��lise fatorial explorat��ria da escala atrav��s do m��todo das componentes principais. Posteriormente avaliou-se a consist��ncia interna das componentes obtidas com recurso ao alpha de Cronbach (��). Para analisar a validade de constructo foram correlacionadas as componentes obtidas com a vers��o portuguesa da ���Health Care Providers��� Pain and Impairment Relationship Scale��� (HC-PAIRS), recorrendo ao c��lculo do coeficiente de Spearman. Resultados: O processo de adapta����o cultural n��o revelou dificuldades importantes sendo considerado que a vers��o portuguesa da PABS-PT �� de f��cil compreens��o e preenchimento, e os seus itens adequados para avaliar as cren��as e atitudes dos fisioterapeutas portugueses relativas �� interven����o na dor cr��nica m��sculo-esquel��tica. Os resultados revelaram uma estrutura fatorial de duas componentes, identificadas com as componentes da escala original que explicam 30,96% da vari��ncia total. A consist��ncia interna encontrada �� boa, para a componente biom��dica (�� de Cronbach = 0,826), mas muito fraca para a componente biopsicossocial (�� de Cronbach= 0,589). Relativamente �� validade convergente e discriminativa, foi encontrada uma associa����o estatisticamente significativa e positiva, entre as componentes 1 (biom��dica) da vers��o nportuguesa da PABS e a HC-PAIRS (Rs = 0,481, p��� 0,005), e negativa, fraca e significativa entre a pontua����o total da componente 2 (biopsicossocial) e a HC-PAIRS (Rs = -0,038, p=0,612). Conclus��o: A vers��o portuguesa do PABS-PT �� de f��cil compreens��o e aparenta ser um instrumento v��lido para a medi����o da orienta����o preferencial dos fisioterapeutas, relativamente ��s suas atitudes e cren��as na avalia����o e tratamento de utentes com dor cr��nica de natureza m��sculo-esquel��tica. No entanto, a componente biopsicossocial requer uma an��lise mais aprofundada para que possa, com rigor, ser utilizada na defini����o de uma orienta����o preferencialmente biopsicossocial.--------------ABSTRACT: Introduction: Previous studies have found a relation between the beliefs and attitudes of health professionals, their treatment approach, which can follows a biomedical or a biopsychosocial orientation (Bishop, 2008; Mutsaers, 2012), and the outcomes obtained. Therefore, is suggested that the professionals who tend to approach chronic low back pain patients according to the biomedical model have worse outcomes than professionals who use a biopsychosocial approach in there clinical reasoning. This research field has highlighted the importance of developing measures capable of identifying the preferred orientation of health professionals in the treatment of chronic pain of musculoskeletal nature, including the ���Pain Attitudes and Beliefs Scale for Physiotherapists��� (PABS-PT). Objective: To cross culturally adapt and validate the PABS-PT for the Portuguese population of physiotherapists. Methodology: The original version (English version) of the PABS-PT was adapted to the Portuguese language and culture, through the guidelines established for these processes (Beaton et al., 2002; MAPI Institute, 2001). The psychometric evaluation of the Portuguese version was carried out on a sample of 202 p physiotherapist and final year students of the physiotherapy course. Initially, an exploratory factorial analysis was performed through the method of the main components. Then, the internal consistence of the main components was evaluated using the Cronbach���s alpha (��). The convergent construct validity was analysed through the correlation between the obtained components of PABS-PT and the Health Care Provider���s Pain and Impairment Relationship Scale (HC-PAIRS), using the Spearmen correlation coefficient. Results: No major difficulties were found during the cultural adaptation process of PABS-PT to Portugal, which means that the Portuguese version is easy to understand and fulfill, and items are appropriated to evaluate the beliefs and attitudes of the Portuguese physiotherapists who treat chronic pain of musculoskeletal origins. The results revealed a factorial structure of two components, as the original scale, explaining 30,96% of the total variance. Internal consistence results were good, for the biomedical component (Cronbach���s �� = 0,826), but very weak for the biopsychosocial componente (Cronbach���s �� = 0,589). Relatively to convergent and discriminative validity, a statistically significant association was found, between the components 1 (biomedical) of the Portuguese version of PABS-PT and the HC-PAIRS (Rs= 0,481, p��� 0,005) and negative, weak and significant between the total score of component 2 (biopsychosocial) and the HC-PAIRS (Rs = -0,038, p=0,612). Conclusion: The Portuguese Version of PABS-PT is easy to understand and seems to be a valid instrument to measure the attitudes and beliefs of physiotherapists in the management of patients with chronic low back pain. However, the biopsychosocial component requires a further deep analysis to examine a preferable biopsychosocial orientation.